A Major Discovery in Climate and Health

On April 21, 2025, a groundbreaking collaborative study involving the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Oxford University, Fudan University, and the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine unveiled startling connections between temperature fluctuations and plasma protein levels in humans.

Examining the Climate Impact on Our Health

Analyzing blood samples from nearly 4,000 adults across ten diverse climatic regions in China, the research found that 949 plasma proteins reacted notably to temperature changes. Alarmingly, over 80% of these proteins were linked to heightened risks for serious health conditions like high blood pressure and ischemic heart disease.

Winter Woes: The Hidden Dangers of Cold

Postdoctoral researcher Kwok Yat-tung from CUHK’s JC School of Public Health and Primary Care pointed out that these findings shed light on the health impacts of climate change, especially concerning the role of inflammatory proteins in the spike of cardiovascular diseases during winter months. By studying plasma proteins—key biological markers—scientists may be closer to devising targeted treatments to combat health risks influenced by temperature fluctuations.

Critical Temperature Thresholds

The study revealed that temperature ranges between 5°C and 10°C had the most significant effects on plasma protein levels. Interestingly, temperatures below 5°C showed no additional impact, which could be attributed to bodily adaptations or the use of heating. On the flip side, when temperatures rose above 17.7°C, researchers noted that each 1°C increase resulted in a linear increase in protein levels, highlighting humanity's limited capacity to adapt to heat—a potential reflection of poor air conditioning accessibility or biological factors.

The Bigger Picture: Climate Change and Mortality

Globally, millions of deaths each year are linked to unsuitable temperature conditions, yet the specific biological mechanisms behind these impacts are still largely unclear. This pivotal study provides essential insights into how temperature variations can amplify inflammation, platelet aggregation, and other physiological processes that heighten the likelihood of cardiovascular diseases.